13 Feb 09 Tips on Packing

Airlines are cutting down on the amount of baggage passengers are allowed to take.  In fact, many have actually cut out all free checked baggage—you have to pay for every bag you check.  Along the same lines, taking a lot of baggage with you on a train or bus can be a hassle, plus there may be some extra costs if you have a lot of luggage.  To avoid these extra charges, here are some packing tips for you to keep in mind.

If you don’t need it, don’t take it.  Only take those things are you know you’ll absolutely need.  If you aren’t planning on going to an event that requires formalwear, don’t take anything fancy.  If you don’t plan on using your hotel’s swimming pool, don’t pack your swimsuit.  Try to avoid taking more than one pair of shoes since shoes can take up a good amount of space.

Take clothes that can be mixed and matched.  Jeans can often be worn for a couple of days before they need to be washed, so they can be worn with several different shirts.  Likewise, you may be able to wear a t-shirt twice if you wear it as an undershirt.

Buy travel-sized toiletries.  Instead of taking full-sized bottles, pick up small trial or travel-sized ones.  They take up far less space in your bags.  You can also use the soaps and shampoos found in your hotel room’s bathroom if you don’t want to pack your own.

Combine luggage.  If you’re travelling with your spouse or a friend, pack everything in one bag instead of two.  Splitting the cost of one checked bag instead of paying for two can help you both save money.  Another option, especially if you’re only going to be out of two for a few days, is to pack everything into a carry-on.

Tags: baggage, hotel, hotel room, luggage, packing tips, travelling